Thunder signs ex-Ursuline QB Swogger

BOARDMAN — Former Ursuline High standout Josh Swogger will join the Mahoning Valley Thunder for the 2008 af2 season.

Swogger led the Irish to the 2000 Division IV state championship and was named Ohio offensive player of the year. In two seasons at Ursuline, after transferring from Mathews High, Swogger throw for over 3,900 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Swogger went to Washington State, and started six games his sophomore season. He later transferred to the University of Montana for hissenior season, where he threw for over 2,600 yards and 17 touchdowns. Montana reached the Division I-AA playoff semifinals in 2006 with Swogger at quarterback.

Swogger had stints in NFL training camps with the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, and had a tryout with the Colorado Crush of the Arena Football League.

“Josh has terrific size for a quarterback, and a cannon arm,” said Thunder coach Mike Hold.

“He’s a real student of the game, not too many looks are going to surprise him. He’s been around a number of different offenses, so he’s pretty comfortable in the pocket.”

Hold is excited to bring another player with an area background to the team.

“Having a local kid under center is something this community can rally around,” he said. “We’re excited to bring Josh back to the Mahoning Valley and expect big things both for him and the Thunder.”

Fans are invited to attend a press conference introducing Swogger today at 3 p.m. at the Chevrolet Centre.

The Thunder opens the season March 29 on Cortland Banks Field inside the Chevrolet Centre against the Albany Conquest.